I sat with my feet soaking in the warm water that sprayed from jets. The water rushed around my ankles and toes, calling me to relax a few minutes and forget about the hectic rush of shoppers at the mall.
I looked around the nail shop. Only one other client was there, and she was chattering to the technician who was concentrating on her nails.
“You’re not too busy tonight,” I said.
“People are getting ready for Christmas,” he replied. “They save their money for that. It is a really big holiday.”
I listened to his broken English as my eyes searched beyond the room. A prominent statue confirmed that he was probably not a Christian. His statements reminded me of the lessons used to teach English, full of general information to know about the culture.
Although everything he said was true, there is so much more to it than that. Christmas is so much more than a really big holiday.
“Now is the time to share the Gospel with him,” I thought to myself. Somehow, I knew that the first step in doing that needed to be a little different. It needed to grow from a relationship of trust.
I smiled and asked his name. He told me that he was a student at a nearby university, working his way through school. His pride in his work was obvious.
I made a mental note to ask for Dylan (made up name) again. I wanted to support his efforts to pay for his classes, but it was more than that. I wanted to become his friend so that I could introduce him to my best friend, Jesus.
Why do I care?
Because Christmas is so much, much more than a really big holiday.
“But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.” Luke 2:10-12 NIV
Blessings to you and yours this Christmas season filled with great joy for all the people.
Carol
